What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a single p orbital?

• A. 1
• B. 6
• C. 3
• D. 2

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that an orbital is a region in space where there is a high probability of finding an electron. Each orbital can hold a specific maximum number of electrons according to the Pauli Exclusion Principle.
2. Understand that a p orbital is one of the three orbitals (p_x, p_y, p_z) in the p subshell, each with a specific shape and orientation.
3. According to the Pauli Exclusion Principle, each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons, and these electrons must have opposite spins.
4. Therefore, even though there are three p orbitals in a p subshell, each individual p orbital can only hold up to two electrons.
5. Summarize that the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a single p orbital is 2.